“Volunteer?” She asked politely. “What are you doing? Maybe I could come with, if you didn’t mind.”
“Well, my church runs a bunch of charity programs around Christmastime, and I told them I would help out with whatever they need. It can get really hectic, but you’re totally welcome to come.”
Emma shrugged as she took the phone, punching in her number as well as her name. “It’s not a problem, at all.” She handed the phone back. “I’m available pretty much all the time.”
“Cool! I mean, I have to volunteer over Christmas break–” She made a bit of a face at that. “–but I’ll definitely let you know when I’m free.”
“Definitely!” Emma agreed with a nod of her head. “Here, let me see your phone. I’ll put my number in, and you can call or text me any time.”
Something about Emma’s words sounded genuine, comforting. Perhaps that was the result of actually taking the time to make friends outside the internet. Still smiling, Rachael gave her her cell phone. “That’s really sweet,” she said. “Thanks.”
“Don’t worry about it. But, you know, we should hang out some time. I mean, besides at the coffee house.” Apparently socialization was something Rachael didn’t get enough of, and Emma was as good a candidate as any to remedy that.
“I was her best friend. I’m hoping to work my way back up to that.” Emma smiled in return to Rachael’s. She liked the fact that she and Audrey were together. They were cute.
“Don’t worry. You’ll get there.” Audrey could hold a grudge, but from what she’d heard, Emma seemed like a sweet girl overall. Audrey would forgive her eventually. “I’d even talk to her for you, if you want.”
“I think you overestimate my power,” she grinned. “I’m pretty sure you had something to do with it too.”
“I don’t know–you are her best friend.” Still, Rachael couldn’t help the little smile that tugged at her lips. Just thinking about Audrey tended to have that effect.
